Suspicious package causes temporary evacuation of UIC building

A University of Illinois Medical Center building was evacuated tonight for about 90 minutes after a worker saw a package he thought was suspicious near a newspaper box, authorities said.

The College of Medicine West Tower, also known as the 909 Building at 1853 W. Polk St., was evacuated about 7:30 p.m. after someone found a suspicious package there, according to U. of I. spokesman Bill Burton.

No one has been injured, he said.

Chicago police said the all-clear was given about 9 p.m., although information on what was in the package was not immediately available.

A UIC building service worker found the package outside the building near a newspaper box shortly before 7 p.m., said Burton.

UIC police investigated and issued the evacuation order a half an hour later, and Chicago Police Bomb and Arson personnel took over the investigation, Burton said.

Burton said said he did not believe the incident affected any students.

“I don’t know who was in the building,’’ Burton said. “It’s mostly college offices.’’

Burton did not know what why the package appeared suspicious but said there was no damage or fire.